What’s a rainscreen? And why should I care?

In new home construction, a rainscreen provides an air barrier between exterior finishes, such as siding, and the exterior walls of the home. Rainscreens can be constructed of PVC or pressure treated furring strips, or another material that creates an air gap beneath the siding. A rainscreen prevents moisture from getting trapped within the wall system, and thereby extends the life of your home.

At SYMBI HOMES, all of our exterior siding is installed with a rainscreen application using Benjamin Obdyke’s technologically advanced Slicker Max material (see photo below). Slicker Max is easy to install, cost-effective, and durable. The innovative material creates vertical channels for water to escape with a bottom fold-under to prevent insects from moving in.

Supporting both resiliency and sustainability, rainscreens are another critical component of SYMBI’s enlightened approach to new home design and construction.